Goa Khabar : Dempo Sports Club to face Rajasthan United FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League Championship Round tomorrow.
The Championship Round opener in Shillong produced a goalless draw. Head Coach Samir Naik speaking on it said, “These away games in the northeast are always challenging, but we could have done better,” he said. “The performance was not up to the mark. But I know the quality we have and what the boys can play.”
Dempo and Rajasthan, have met this season, Dempo winning 3-0 at Fatorda in Stage 1 before Rajasthan hit back with a 2-1 victory on the final day, scoring twice after the break to take the points.
Rajasthan arrive under pressure, their Championship Round opener against Sreenidi Deccan ended in heartbreak, leading 1-0 with ten men for over thirty minutes before conceding twice in stoppage time to lose 2-1. They will be motivated to respond and Naik knows it.
“We played this opponent just a week before in Goa,” he said. “We started that game really well but concentration cost us early goals. We have worked on certain things and I feel we will do better.”
Colombian attacking midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez has been Dempo’s sharpest creative threat in recent games. His first-time strike in Shillong was the clearest chance Dempo created all evening and he goes into tomorrow’s match focused on one thing.
“In the dressing room everything is calm,” Gutierrez said. “The team only wants to get the victory in the remaining games. We must get the ball and move without fear of making mistakes or taking risks.”
Darell Mascarenhas and Shubham Rawat remain sidelined while Richmond Owusu misses out due to a paperwork issue. Naik was unambiguous about his confidence in those available. “I have full faith in the squad, not only the eleven, the entire team we have here. I strongly believe in them.”
Friday’s Fixture (1.05.2026)
Star Cement IFL 2025-26
Rajasthan United FC vs Dempo SC, Namdhari Football Stadium, Ludhiana. KO 6:30 PM. IST.
(Watch live on the Doordarshan Sports Channel, Waves OTT or Sony Network Channel)
